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The Presidio of San Francisco: Andy Goldsworthy - Spire (sculpture in progress).

Review by R.W. Miller: Rising above some recently planted trees near the Presidio's Arguello Gate, Andy Goldswothy's wooden sculpture "Spire" argues for our place in the natural scheme. One may remember from the documentary film "Rivers and Tides" Goldsworthy's re-affirmation of our place in the natural world, hence also our "handy work," with his celebration of the historic forest at the Presidio.

Goldsworthy has his followers as well as colleagues in the city who make the same argument by cherishing non-indigenous species like pigeons, South American parrots and ornamental plants, in the process also asserting their desire to protect life in its many forms. This "new" shared "epiphany" runs counter to environmentalists with similar goals, who point out that human beings are different than the other creatures on the planet. For example, we have technology, a written language, and chain saws. We plant trees and build structures.

Goldsworthy and fans do not appear to recognize that Nature can be contrasted with technology, with a definition similar to wilderness, in the interest of protecting the other wild creatures on the planet. Birds and trees may be considered exceptions for The Environmental Movement which seeks not to forget it's preservationistic roots. Rather than more trees in the forest, those who seek to recreate the lost habitat of the peninsula may have created another native plant patch, something more like the roof of the new Academy of Sciences or the hills surrounding Sutro Baths. Forests inspire while habitat restoration recreates.